Kroger cites CHEP, IFCO as key to waste reduction

In its 2016 sustainability report, titled “Improving Today to Protect Tomorrow,” The Kroger Co., Cincinnati, noted that both CHEP USA and IFCO Systems North America, subsidiaries of Sydney, Australia-headquartered Brambles Group, are critical to helping the retailer meet or exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s zero-waste threshold of 90 percent diversion from landfills by 2020.

Atlanta-based CHEP USA, a global pallet and container pooling service, and Houston-based IFCO, a pallet supply, management and recycling firm, are partnering with Kroger on a sustainability model of pooled pallets, bulk containers and reusable plastic containers (RPCs). These packaging solutions bring both operational efficiencies and environmental benefits, Kroger stated in its report.

Compared to one-way packaging, reusable platforms and containers result in a diminished carbon footprint, reduced water consumption and less waste, according to CHEP.

“Kroger is committed to being a positive force for change when it comes to sustainable business practices, and CHEP and IFCO play an important role in our effort to meet our zero waste goals and continuously improve the sustainability of our supply chain,” said Suzanne Walker-Lindsay, Kroger’s director of sustainability.

Kroger’s commitment to CHEP pallets avoided more than 1 million pounds of solid waste and eliminated 430 tons of carbon dioxide, according to Brambles. On top of this, production of IFCO RPCs requires 65 percent less water and 34 percent less energy than does one-way packaging. The use of IFCO RPCs also reportedly results in a 31 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and an 85 percent reduction in solid waste compared to single-use cardboard boxes.

“We are committed to providing our customers with sustainable solutions that help them make their supply chains more efficient and environmentally friendly,” said Juan Jose Freijo, global head of sustainability for Brambles. “Kroger is a valuable partner, and we are pleased to contribute to their zero-waste vision. Those companies working together on common goals will be the ones with the greatest impact on environmental sustainability.”